WHY DO(N’T) WE VOTE?

It is a well-known and well-studied phenomenon that young people, almost exclusively everywhere in the world, do not take place in elections in proportion to their political wish. On the one hand, the youth is by definition is the most revolutionary in mind, so it would be expected that if they have the chance to express their support or resentment of political leaders or issues, they go to the polls in big numbers. On the other hand, it is a sobering fact that the percentage of this age group lags far behind of that expectation. What can be the reason behind such seemingly contradictory things?

The answer lies in more than one thing and the approach, as a result, should be manifold. By today’s standards, it is almost unbelievable that in the late 1960s, the young wanted to take control of the political sphere and in frustration of their governments, actions, they took to the streets. These revolution and civil-war like pictures still astound us today, when such actions appear implausible among us. Today a relative welfare is widespread—at least to the limit of a normal everyday life. Naturally, this is not true for every country. But still, we are not satisfied with the system. (And do not be surprised if your children will tell you the same. It is only inherent in the youth to rebel…) So, if we are unsatisfied and have the opportunity to make our convictions about issues manifest, why is it that we are not loud enough when it comes to casting votes?

It is no news that the percentage of the people under 30, can boast of only about a trepid participation in major elections. Results vary from the 16% rate to the 50% rate [?], but on average it is heart sinking in how low numbers the youth represents itself. (Minor elections, if there are such events, would surely give us more trouble along these lines…) Why? How is it possible that millions of people full of vigor and determination to change things or, for that matter, the whole world stay out of the process? And mind you, this is the only formula that seems to be working throughout mankind’s history. (Unfortunately, even today, there is ample evidence that provide us with horrid examples of what it is like when no one is interested in free-expressed opinion and one-party rule or tyranny is the norm.) With such a wonderful tool a safe substitution for weapon, but can be used as such on a metaphorical level in our hand, why are we so passive?

We are sure not afraid of tomorrow (although many of us have daily problems, but again, who doesn’t?); we do not have to worry about consequences of our vote; we cast our ballot from our free will, it is not obligatory (though there are special democracies where voting is not only a right, it is mandatory, e.g. in Brazil; we have the chance, through our very vote, not only to express our view but also to change what we see as poorly functioning, or to solidify what we see as well-working. But too many of us do not vote!

According to studies from all over the world, young people are lagging behind expectations. If, in any given election, the percentage climbs over 50%, we can be happy. That should be the lowest tolerable threshold! The fact that other age groups do not vote in the 75% region either has nothing to do with our lack of participation! We need to rethink what we are capable of achieving by our accumulated vote! It is time that all of us understood what is at stake in elections! Wake up! It is never too late. To cast a vote, all the comfort is given; the only thing you have to overcome is laziness. Your voting district is close to your home, so you cannot complain that going to the booth robs your precious free time. The polls are usually open from early morning to late evening, so the previous night’s booze, and the elated political speech you presented to your friends as a result, is distant memory by the afternoon, so that is not an excuse either. Then why do you not go?

Many young people claim that his or her vote just does not count. That seems an omnipresent feeling among young people who refuse to cast their vote. Please! If it does not count, what does? If you stop believing that your single vote, as tiny a force as it seemingly may represent, can make a difference, you create a dangerous vacuum both mentally and politically. This is exactly where undemocratic roots stem from. You and I cannot let that happen. If we do, we are not only insolent and narrow sighted, but we also make others’ belief and work seem as unimportant. No one has that right! Strong words? No. Mild warnings only. Exactly the day people decide not to take part in elections, the core of what democracy may be all about, the time has come when the very same democracy is in danger. It sounds like a conspiracy maybe, but spend a few minutes thinking it over! All of us have to be happy and proud about the fact that we are given the privilege of being able to vote and living in a democracy. There are too many countries that show us exactly how terrible it is when things are run differently. To be sure, even without your vote, things appear to work just fine the next day and there is no imminent danger of losing all the good stuff that freedom offers. But imagine walking a mile in the shoes of those who, in real life, do not have those shoes, or cannot choose which pair to wear when they go to mock elections at best.

We have to grow up! Well, when one is young, that is a recurring wish. (Only to change many years later. Well, not so many…) But with age comes responsibility. And if you are lucky enough to belong to the minority on our blue planet that lives in democracy, you should carry that responsibility not only taking advantage of freedom, but giving back to it something. At least, your vote. Because it does count. We can count on you, can’t we?

Zoltan Peterecz